Tag: Book Review

[Book Review] From Girdle Maker to Water Commissioner – THE GREAT GILDERSLEEVE: The Pioneering Spin-off Program That Made Broadcast History!

On By Kanariya EishiIn Book Review, literatureLeave a comment

For enthusiasts of history and the golden age of radio, a remarkable new title has arrived: Kristine Ohkubo’s From Girdle Maker to Water Commissioner – THE GREAT GILDERSLEEVE: The Pioneering Spin-off Program That Made Broadcast History! A finalist in the 19th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards, this book transports readers to the enchanting and hilarious world of Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, one of radio’s most beloved characters.

I had the privilege of being introduced to Gildersleeve’s eccentric stories by the author herself before the book’s publication, and I quickly became a devoted fan. Informative and engaging, the book traces the series’ evolution over the years. I particularly enjoyed delving into the actors’ detailed biographies and backstories.

You may know Ohkubo for her authoritative works on rakugo: Talking About Rakugo (Volumes 1 and 2) and Fallen Words. I can clearly see how her fascination with old-time radio drew her to the traditional Japanese art of rakugo. Both evoke a nostalgic world where family and traditional values take centre stage.

In the appendix, you’ll find complete episode logs—a treasure trove for fans, collectors, and researchers alike. These logs provide a roadmap back to the nostalgic world many of us long to revisit.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thoroughly recommended for aficionados of old-time radio, comedy lovers, and rakugo enthusiasts alike!!!

Book Review: Fallen Words

On By Kanariya EishiIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

As I hold a copy of Fallen Words by Kristine Ohkubo, I can’t help but feel that a new era of rakugo history has arrived!

You may or may not realise the connotation of the publication of a book like this, but it is truly revolutionary and paradigm-shifting!

For the first time ever since the conception of rakugo about 400 years ago, a non-Japanese rakugo script writer in the English language has finally emerged.

There have been a few foreign-born performers who have translated, written, and performed rakugo in English and other languages, but as far as I know, she is the first professional writer who has published rakugo scripts in English.

This book is a compilation of 5 new and original rakugo scripts on a variety of themes.

All the scripts display her deep understanding of this art, and it was especially delightful to read the stories called A Child’s Coins that was inspired by Grimms’ Fairy Tales and Börte’s Kidnapping, which is based on the life of Börte, who was the first wife of Genghis Khan.

It is a must-read for all rakugo fans, and you can purchase your copy on the author’s website.

By the way, the tenugui (Japanese traditional towel) in the background of the photo above is from my hometown, Oiso. The design is based on a famous folklore about a divine octopus, which I will share sometime when I write more about my recent trip to Japan.

The puffer fish rock is a lucky charm from Oiso 😊